Summer is usually a slow time for recruitment. With many people taking annual leave and school holidays in full swing, hiring new employees isn’t usually a priority. You can take advantage of this time and boost your career prospects. This summer, prepare for the next recruitment rush, make a positive change and stand out to employers.
When is the Best Time to Look for a Job?
Recruiting happens in waves. According to CareerSidekick.com, the best time to apply for a job is earlier in the year, around the first quarter, as recruitment budgets will have been released. Earlier in the year, most people are in the office together with fewer holidays being taken, so decisions can be made quicker. Autumn is also one of the best times to apply for jobs. After the summer, hiring managers return from annual leave and everyone gets back into the flow of work fully staffed in September and October.
To stand out to employers, you can spend your time working towards a globally recognised, accredited qualification this summer. We have a wide range of qualifications available including Digital Marketing, IT and Project Management. Business skills are in demand and we have the qualifications to help you get them.
Of course, the best time to apply is when you find a job you are interested in. If you happen to come across your dream job and you meet the requirements, apply for it as soon as you see it. Read our top tips on how to get your CV ready here.
How to stay focused on your Summer Study
You will face some challenges along the way. Summer is a time when distractions can be at their highest. People generally spend more time outside, go on holiday and enjoy spending time with friends and family in the warm weather and you definitely should do that! But you need to think about balancing your time well to achieve your summer study goals.
Here are some tips to stay focused on your summer study:
- Create a suitable study environment with minimal distractions and a good internet connection. Visit a local library or coffee shop if you want a change of scenery.
- Set clear and realistic goals to complete each day. Write a to-do list if that helps.
- Create a study schedule and don’t forget to include breaks and days off. We found a list of examples with a quick Google search, but there are lots of options out there to suit everyone’s personal learning style.
- Choose a flexible training provider. Our courses are all online, so you can complete them when the time suits you.
- Stay hydrated, eat well and sleep well. This will help your productivity and overall health.
- Share your study schedule with friends and family. This way they know when you’re free and will be less likely to interrupt your study time.
- Put your phone on silent whilst you are studying so you won’t be distracted by notifications.
- Try techniques and tools such as the Pomodoro Technique to help you manage your study time efficiently.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
If you struggle with time management, try the Pomodoro Technique. It was developed in the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo and is designed to help people use their time productively. It is a simple technique that breaks down your time into smaller chunks with regular breaks using a timer. The timer that Cirillo used was shaped like a tomato hence the name ‘Pomodoro’, which is the Italian word for Tomato.
To try the Pomodoro Technique, you need to:
- Choose the task you need to complete
- Set a timer for 25 mins and work until the timer goes off with no distractions
- When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break
- Repeat this process three times
- Then take one 30-minute break
This technique should help keep you focused and get more work done in a shorter amount of time.
If you’re a serial procrastinator, give this one a go.
Focus on the Future
It can be tough when you’re starting your study journey. Especially if you have been studying during the year or haven’t been in education for a while, but focus on the future. Think about how after your hard work and dedication you will have a new career and new prospects that will make it all worthwhile.
For recruiters, it is not just about the qualifications you already have. If your CV shows that you are currently working towards a new qualification, that gives them an insight into who you are. It shows you are someone who wants to learn and will put in the time and dedication needed to improve and grow in your field.
If you’re struggling, we are here to help. Have a chat with our expert team about your career prospects and how you can kickstart them this summer. We have recruitment specialists on hand to help you get to where you want to be sooner.
Sign up for a Summer Course today!
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